May 30, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Roadmap: B.A. in Physical Sciences for Transfers


***FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS ***

By completing the following Roadmap, you will earn a BA in Physical Sciences. Students should have completed a two-year Transfer with Associate’s Degree program, or a minimum of 60 units completing GE Areas A through E.

This interdisciplinary degree prepares students for a greater diversity of professions requiring an understanding of the fundamentals of the physical sciences, including courses in: astronomy, chemistry, environmental sciences, geology, marine sciences, meteorology, and physics.

A student may pursue a Physical Sciences major by electing one of the following three concentrations: applied physics, earth and space sciences, or environmental sciences. The major may also be pursued without a concentration by completing sufficient upper-division units in two areas of interest chosen from astronomy, chemistry, environmental sciences, geology, marine science, and physics. Consult with a departmental adviser as to the areas of interest and to the proper selection of courses.

Students interested in environmental design, technical administration in government and industry, laboratory technology, legal work pertaining to patents, or scientific librarianship and journalism may elect this major as an opportunity to acquire an education tailored to their individual needs.

The Physical Sciences major whose interest is in marine geology and physical oceanography will be required to enroll in upper-division coursework at the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories for fulfillment of major requirements. Please refer to the Marine Sciences section of this catalog.

Physical Sciences majors interested in medical school, dental school, and other health professions such as pharmacy, physical therapy, or optometry should work out a plan of study as soon as possible with their major adviser and the Pre-Health Professions Committee. See the Pre-Health Professions section of this catalog within the Biological Sciences section.

This Roadmap is a recommended advising map to complete the degree program in two years. Please consult your academic advisor as you develop your academic plan.

 

Third Year

Fall Semester
Course
Units
PHYS 3010 Intro Mathematical Physics I   3
PHYS 3520 Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics   3
ENGL 3550 Years of War, Days of Peace   3
MATH 2410 Multivariate Calculus   4
General Education Area UD-D 3
Total Units 16
Cumulative Total 16
Spring Semester
Course
Units
PHYS 4910 Spectroscopy, Techniques and Application (WP)   3
ASTR 3000 Contemporary Astronomy   3
PHYS 3550 Physics for War, Physics for Peace   3
CS 1500 Computer Programming I   3
Upper Division Math or Physical Sciences - 1 3
Total Units 15
Cumulative Total 31
  • PHYS 3520 and ENGL 3550 satisfy GE Areas UD-C and the University’s Multicultural Requirement.
  • PHYS 3550 satisfies GE Area UD-B and the University’s Multicultural Requirement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

 

Fourth Year

*Apply for Graduation

Fall Semester
Course
Units
CHEM 1100 General Chemistry I   4
CHEM 1102 General Chemistry I Laboratory   1
PHYS 4250 Analog and Digital Electronics   4
Upper Division Math or Physical Sciences - 2 3
Any Lower Division GE (if missing) or Elective 3
Total Units 15
Cumulative Total 46
Spring Semester
Course
Units
CHEM 1100 General Chemistry I   4
CHEM 1102 General Chemistry I Laboratory   1
PHYS 4102 Experimental Physics (WP)   2
Upper Division Math or Physical Sciences - 3 3
Any Lower-Division GE (if missing) or Elective 3
Elective Units 1
Total Units 14
Cumulative Total 60
  • For additional dates and details to apply for graduation, visit the Graduation Website.